Introduction
Climate change is a complex issue
and the solutions are equally complex.
Transport has a major part to play in its
causes and mitigation. The golden bullet
would be to stop carbon emitting travel
altogether. However this is unrealistic
and unachievable. The solutions are
multifaceted and one of these is to make
the travel that we have to undertake have
less impact. There are many ways to do
this, make engines more efficient, use
different fuels or change to different modes
of travel. Our Top Trumps pack aims to
be a simple and fun way to negotiate
the plethora of alternatives available.
This guide also highlights some of
the reasons why you might do this
and additional ways to stimulate
lower emission travel. This includes
green travel planning, eco driving
and of course walking and cycling!
Should you wish to find out more
about any of the technologies or
individual vehicles or companies
involved in the production of this
pack you will find their details in the
second section of this guide. We hope
you enjoy the pack and the guide.

Climate change
It is generally accepted that climate change is occurring. Temperatures are rising
globally, ice caps are receding and freak weather events are occurring with
alarming frequency. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been shown to be
inextricably linked to temperature fluctuations in the atmosphere. Emitting more
CO2 into the atmosphere will contribute to the continuing rise in temperatures
and extreme weather events. A gradual increase in temperature also has major
implications for ecosystems, growing seasons, wildlife and their habitats.

Transport and
climate change
Carbon dioxide emissions from transport have risen throughout the 1990s and now
account for around one quarter of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions. These
emissions contribute to climate change that has grave domestic and global consequences.
The Government has recently shown international leadership by committing the UK to
work towards a 60 per cent reduction in its carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
Transport also contributes to poor air quality. The Department of
Health estimates that there are between 12,000 and 24,000 early
deaths each year resulting from poor air quality in our cities.

Some changes to the climate are inevitable – even if we stop emitting gases now, the
gases we have already released will have an effect. However, we must do everything we
can to avoid further changes and to adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in.

4 Natural causes
4 What is
the ‘climate’?
The term ‘climate’ normally
describes the average weather we
get over a long period of time. When
our climate changes, the weather we
experience locally day to day can also
change. Over the millions of years of the
earth’s existence, the climate has changed
many times. However, when we use the
term ‘climate change’ now, it is to describe
shifts in temperature over approximately
the last 100 years and the next 100
years or so.

4 What causes climate change?
There will always be some degree of
uncertainty in understanding a system as
complex as the world’s climate. However,
there is now strong evidence and almost
unanimous agreement that significant
global warming is occurring. It is also
likely that most of the recent warming can
be attributed to human activities.

Some changes to the earth’s climate are
caused by the effects on each other of
the sun, land, oceans and atmosphere.
These often occur over very long
periods of time.

Road transport is predicted to grow by a further 33 per cent in the next 20 years (Environment
Agency). A threefold increase is forecast in demand for air travel by the year 2030. These
trends indicate that, despite technological advances, the environmental impacts of transport
will grow unless action is taken at all levels – by government, business and individuals.
There is a continuing need to reduce the environmental impacts of some forms
of transport – particularly road and air travel – and promote more environmentally
friendly transport options such as cycling, public transport and walking.

4 CO2 emissions by sector
Other (4%)

4 Human causes

Residential (15%)

Human activity has changed
the concentration of greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere. By burning
fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for
energy, we release greenhouse gases.
Currently, burning fossil fuels emits about
6.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into
the atmosphere each year. Since the 18th
century, concentrations of greenhouse
gases have increased by 30 per cent.

“The 1990’s was the
hottest decade of the
last century...”
Robert Watson, IPCC

Green Driving Guide

Reducing CO2
The easiest way to cut road transport CO2 is to stop using the
roads for carbon emitting transport. However, for most
this is simply not possible.
Transport emissions can be cut in many ways;

=

Car share Visit www.liftshare.com

=

Combine journeys

=

Route plan and travel plan across your whole organisation

=

Use more efficient vehicles

=

Use alternative fuel or low emissions vehicles

“Avoid short
journeys - this
is bad for your
engine and the
atmosphere”

Travel hierarchy
iceberg
Future

Use alternative fuels
This may require vehicle conversion
or infrastructure development.

Drive efficient vehicles
or Alternative Vehicles

Use the Top Trumps pack as an initial guide. There are many
realistic mainstream alternatives available.

Drive more Economically

=

Avoid short journeys – this is bad for your engine and the atmosphere!

=

Modern engines do not need to be revved or warmed up before pulling off.

=

Regular servicing – for safety as well as efficiency.

=

Maintain correct tyre pressures.

=

Practice smooth acceleration and braking.

=

If in queuing traffic, turn the engine off.

The Government is encouraging organisations
and individuals to switch to cleaner fuelled
vehicles by lowering the fuel duty on cleaner
fuels, such as LPG (liquefied petroleum
gas) and natural gas, which makes them

Time

Ensuring action on all of the following will help to keep emissions down:

Efficient journey planning and eco driving techniques will improve
overall efficiency, and might get you there quicker and less stressed

Car share

Journeys between two commonly visited sites can offer
useful opportunities for lift sharing

Use public transport

more financially attractive, as well as reducing
Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for vehicles
with lower CO2 emissions. Benefit in Kind
(BIK) company car tax has made the use of
cleaner fuelled and more fuel efficient vehicles
more attractive to the company car driver. The
Energy Saving Trust (EST) offer free green fleet
reviews. Visit www.energysavingtrust.
org.uk/fleet for more information.

Trains allow you to continue working whilst traveling.
Buses and tube can be used if traveling shorter distances.

Walk and Cycle more

Good use of alternatives to driving should be the top
priority, where possible using bicycles and walking.
Present

Breadth of Impact

The first way of reducing
emissions is avoiding vehicular
journeys in the first place. Is the
journey necessary? Tele-conferencing,
video-conferencing or internet linking are increasingly available. After that follow
the suggestions above from bottom to top, not progressing to the next until you
have fully investigated the one below it. The iceberg is a useful image to use
– the largest impact will be made by the things that we can’t really see.

Green Driving Guide

Travel Planning

Eco-driving

We have produced a travel planner (see below) – which has already led to an £18,000 saving within
the 12-staff organisation inside a year. It has also reduced emissions of CO2 by 14,500 kilogrammes.
We have developed this simple travel
planning guide that you can pledge to in
your organisation:

1. Is the journey necessary? Try to use teleconferencing, and combine meetings in the
same place on the same day.

2. If the journey is necessary, get there by
walking. If not, then by bike. Further still, go
by bus or train. Should a car have to be used,
is an electric van or hybrid car available?
Only then should a personal car be used.
And finally, fly if only absolutely necessary.

The policy is backed up with measures of support:
=

Secure cycle storage

=

Bike-to-work scheme whereby people
can buy bikes through the organisation
and effectively get them tax free

=

=

Company fleet of vehicles includes fold-up
Brompton bikes, an electric van, a petrol
hybrid and a bio-diesel powered van
Bio-diesel available to staff
for their personal cars

Eco-driving is a style or method of driving that minimises fuel consumption, greenhouse gas
emissions and accident rates - smart, smooth and safe driving techniques that can deliver
average fuel savings of 10%. Eco-driving offers benefits to all drivers – regardless of the vehicle:
cost savings and fewer accidents as well as reductions in emissions and noise levels.

=

How to get more out of your car
and less out of your pocket:
= Shift up gear as soon as possible

=

The hierarchy of travel is in the staff
induction manual and supported by
everyone within the organisation

=

Plus disincentives for personal car use:

=

Restriction on staff parking spaces

=

Low mileage allowance

=

For more information about travel planning,
or setting up a green travel plan in your
organisation visit www.travelwise.org.uk

=

=

Decelerate Smoothly.

=

Once the engine is warm, turn it off if you
are going to stop for longer than a minute.

=

=

Walking and cycling automatically reduce vehicular travel and its associated problems.
Such physical activity can also increase staff health and productivity. One of the most
frequent diagnoses of preventative medicine check ups is a lack of movement or activity.

There are many ways in which the work place can assist staff to make the switch to alternative
modes of travel. Organising bike to work days or walking at lunch time is just the start.

The bike to work scheme allows people to effectively purchase a bike for 50% of the RRP using a
salary sacrifice scheme. The scheme is also extended to cycling peripherals such as locks, lights
and safety equipment. To assist bikes use it is important that adequate and secure cycle parking
is provided, lockers and a changing area will also help those hardy types who cycle in the rain.

Maintain a steady (but not excessive)
speed. Use the highest gear possible
and drive with low engine RPM.
Anticipate traffic flow. Look ahead
as far as possible and anticipate actions
of other traffic, enabling you to
use the vehicle’s momentum
to drive continuously.

Biking & Walking

between 1,500 and 2,500 revolutions
(no more than 2,000 RPM for a diesel),
avoiding harsh acceleration and braking.

=
=

Check for the correct tyre
pressures every week.
Remove any excess baggage from the
car, and take racks and boxes off
the roof.
Minimise use of air
conditioning and heating.
Service and check vehicles at
regular intervals.

Potential savings across Europe
The European Climate Change
Programme calculated in 2001 that
within Europe driver education and
eco-driving programmes could lead to
50 tonnes CO2 avoidance per vehicle by
2010. This would be the equivalent of
15 million cars’ annual CO2 emissions.

Driving style and fuel efficiency
Even if the vehicle you are driving is
an efficient vehicle, savings will not
be achieved unless your driving style
improves. Aggressive driving can increase
fuel consumption by over 25%, whilst
unlikely to make a significant difference
to your journey time. It will also increase
wear and tear on the vehicle, in particular
brake pads, tyres, clutch and gears and
increases the risk of having an accident.
A calm, relaxed driving style will provide
many benefits. It will reduce the amount
of fuel used. Driving will become less
stressful and will be safer for you and
other road users. Further information is
available at www.ecodrive.org.

Aggressive driving
can increase fuel
consumption by
over 25%

For more information visit www.ctc.org.uk and www.walk21.com for more information.

Green Driving Guide

How to use the pack
Most of the vehicles in the Top Trumps pack are available now to buy in
the UK. Some, like the Killacycle, the Tesla and the Honda FCX, show what
potential there is for low emissions motoring in the very near future.
Eco-Vehicles Top Trumps is obviously a game, and we hope that you can have some fun
playing it. We hope that it will also highlight the many alternatives to reducing CO2 emissions.
The pack showcases options that you may not have previously considered. Some options
require a conversion of your existing fleet – to run on pure plant oil (PPO), bioMethane,
LPG or a bi-fuel blend. Other options will be to invest in lower emission standard vehicles
such as hybrids or super-minis. Further still, you may wish to opt for emission free motoring
using a fleet of electric vehicles, some of which offer great value and performance.
If you really want to do the right thing, it may require infrastructure development, which
will have knock on benefits for the local economy also.
Local biodiesel production from waste
vegetable oil, bioMethane or PPO are all
possibilities and the contacts at the end of
this guide will be able to assist you.
The inclusion of buses and a bike
in the pack are deliberate. If you
examine the CO2 per passenger
of the buses, you will see what a
significant reduction converting
people to use public transport will
result in. Bike use is obviously emission
free and has significant health benefits
also. You may wish to support overall CO2
reduction by stimulating the use of
these modes of transport more.

With most Top Trumps stats, the higher the number, the better. However,
this is not the case with this pack, sometimes, lower is better!

Fuels and engine types

Passengers

Each card details what type of engine it has
or the fuel that it uses. Some will require
no changes to a standard car and can be
fuelled at a standard
filling station. Others,
such as BioDiesel,
Honda Civic Hybrid
BioEthanol or
1.4i-DSI plus IMA
Petrol Hybrid
Pure Plant Oil will
require alternative
arrangements to be
set up. Electric
charging points are
relatively easy to
set up.

Maximum number of
passengers the vehicle can
legally carry. Highest wins.

Top Speed
(mph)
Based on statistics
provided by the
manufacturer.
Highest wins.

Whatever your response is,
we hope that the Top Trumps
Pack will assist in some way.

Range
Based on the fuel
consumption and
tank capacity under
combined driving
conditions. For electric
vehicles, the range
is the manufacturer’s
average under combined
conditions. Highest wins.

CO2 (g/km)
For conventional
vehicles, this is the
g/km official figures. For electric vehicles
the emissions are assumed to be zero – this
is only correct if renewable electricity is
used to recharge the vehicle. For all other
vehicles we have based the CO2 g/km on
the work of the Well to Wheels study by the
EU Joint Research Centre. Lowest wins.

“Bike use is
emission free and
has significant
health benefits”

Guide to the stats

Green Driving Guide

Fuel Cost (p/km)
Based on the fuel and electricity
costs as at the time of going to press
in combination with the range, this
gives a fuel cost. Note; servicing, tax,
depreciation and wear and tear are not
included in this calculation. Lowest wins.

FUELS + ENGINES

4BioEthanol
BioEthanol is the biofuel equivalent of petrol and is generally produced from starchy crops
like wheat, sugar beet or sugar cane. It has the potential to be made from virtually any
organic substance, for example drinking alcohol, grass, and wood. At the moment, the fuel
available is a fossil petrol mix with up to 5% bioEthanol (which can be used by any vehicle
without adaptation), and a higher blend called E85. This is a blend of 85% bioEthanol
with 15% fossil petrol and is used to fuel specially designed vehicles called ‘flex-fuel’
vehicles. These vehicles can run on petrol containing anything from 0% to 85% ethanol.

What type of fuel you use, how it is generated and distributed and the type of engine are factors
that will have an impact on your overall CO2 emissions. Here we provide a brief guide to them all.

There is a significant variance in the CO2 emissions of bioEthanol. With a feedstock such
as sugar cane, the emissions offer a 70% reduction compared with conventional petrol.
However, UK feedstock such as straw will require significant energy input and results at
best in only 50% reduction. Other UK feedstock, such as sugar beet will result in only
marginal CO2 savings. More worryingly, with current coal fired power stations providing the
electricity for production, CO2 emissions would actually be higher than conventional petrol.

Conventional Fuels
4Petrol

4Diesel

Petrol is a fossil fuel refined from crude oil. It
evaporates easily and is mixed with air before
it enters the engine to burn more cleanly.

Diesel is also a fossil fuel that is refined from
crude oil. It does not evaporate easily and is
ideally suited for burning in diesel engines.
Generally, diesel engines have lower CO2
emissions than their petrol counterparts.

If bioEthanol is to be a UK solution, feedstock needs to be carefully considered
as does the source of energy for processing. For the purposes of the pack, we
have rated bioEthanol under the best case scenario, i.e. 70% CO2 reduction.

Biofuels

4BioMethane

Biofuels are produced from biological, renewable sources such as crops. They don’t
necessarily produce less CO2 emissions when they burn, but their ‘lifecycle’ is usually
greener as the crops themselves remove CO2 from the atmosphere when they’re growing.
Currently there are three types of biofuel: bioDiesel, bioEthanol and bioMethane. There are
considerable concerns about the potential future use of biofuels. BioDiesel, for example,
can be made from waste vegetable oil. However, this is not available in sufficient quantities
to replace current diesel demands. Therefore, biodiesel will need to be also made from
‘virgin’ oil crops, putting pressure on agricultural land. Particular concerns are currently
being raised about biofuel crops being grown in Brazil and Asia resulting in deforestation.
Biofuel as a local solution and use of waste products is a very good idea. On the other hand,
deforestation and use of agricultural land is not the answer to reducing CO2 emissions.

BioMethane is the biofuel equivalent of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It is
generally produced by collecting methane naturally emitted from landfill sites
or other forms of rotting vegetation. BioMethane is only suitable for use in CNGpowered vehicles, which once converted can also run on standard diesel.

4 BioDiesel
BioDiesel is the biofuel equivalent of diesel and is generally produced from ‘oily’ crops
like rapeseed, sunflower or palm, or from recovered cooking oil. These oils are thicker
than fossil diesel and need processing (called esterification) in order to make them less
viscous and more able to mix with air and burn cleanly. A biodiesel blend (with 95%
fossil diesel) is currently available from around 100 filling stations in the UK and can be
used by any diesel vehicle without adaptation. Some vehicles can use 100% biodiesel
with no adaptation required. In the Well to Wheel Study by the EU joint Research Centre,
bioDiesel is rated as resulting in up to 70% less CO2 emissions than conventional diesel.
BioDiesel from waste vegetable oil as a local solution to fuel provision
represents a significant measure where facilities exist.

The Maltin® System used by Organic Power collects methane from liquid and plant manure.
As methane is being directly removed from the atmosphere and methane
has a global warming effect 21 times that of carbon dioxide, this
combustion is rated as having negative carbon dioxide
equivalent emissions. This is to the tune of -150g/km
according to the EU Well to Wheels report.
For more information
visit www.organic-power.co.uk

“Bioethanol...
has the potential
to be made
from virtually
any organic
substance...”

For more information visit www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk
10

Green Driving Guide

11

Hydrogen

Electricity

Hydrogen can be used as a vehicle fuel, either in an internal combustion engine or in a
fuel cell. In a fuel cell the only emissions would be water. However, hydrogen production
(either from oil refineries or from electrolysis of water) is an energy intensive process and
as a result there is not necessarily any ‘lifecycle’ CO2 emission saving by using hydrogen
as a road fuel. To achieve lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions savings, hydrogen needs to
be produced from renewable energy sources. As yet, this process has not been realised
and also more energy is required in the making of the hydrogen than the energy that
results from its use. Currently, hydrogen use will result in an increase in CO2 emissions.

Electricity to power vehicles is generally taken from the national grid and stored in batteries on the
car. Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions but electricity generation by power stations does
produce CO2. Therefore, for truly emission free motoring, your electricity supply needs to be a
green tariff or self-generated by renewable means. Some electric vehicles suffer from limited range
due to their battery technology. However, as can be seen with the Modec and the Tesla, significant
improvements have been made in recent years, making electric vehicles a realistic possibility for
most users. Charging points are becoming more commonplace, with on-street points available
in several London boroughs. Charge time is a factor for some, but again this is dropping – the
Killacycle, for example, takes 10 minutes for a full charge, enabling it to travel over 40 miles.

In line with other fuels with potential low CO2, the best case scenario is taken and Hydrogen
is rated as zero CO2. This will only occur if the above stated problems can be addressed.
The best estimate at the moment is that hydrogen vehicles will realistically be on the market
by 2015. However, since 1996 hydrogen fuel cells have consistently been described as being
‘5 years away’.

LPG
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a fossil fuel that is refined from crude oil. It is used in
specially designed or modified ‘bi-fuel’ vehicles capable of running on either petrol or
LPG. LPG produces more CO2 than diesel, but slightly less than petrol. When it comes
to air quality pollutant emissions it scores better than petrol, or diesel. LPG is significantly
cheaper than petrol or diesel (due to differential fuel duties), but efficiencies are less. Overall
however, you should make a saving on your fuel costs. Significant investment in infrastructure
has meant that LPG is now readily available, with some care and planning required.

Hybrids have become popular in recent years, but have seen a protracted period of development
since the 1920s. Basically, a hybrid uses both an electric engine and an internal combustion engine
(ICE) to power the vehicle. Most commonly this is found with a petrol engine, but diesel hybrids will
be seen on the market in the near future.

Pure Plant Oil (PPO)
As with biofuels, when burnt, PPO is simply returning CO2 to the atmosphere as part of
a natural cycle with the plant re-growth re-absorbing the emissions. There is therefore no
net increase in CO2. PPO to some just means any vegetable oil, and this can be used in
converted diesel engines. However, experts recommend that specially produced PPO for
vehicle use is used. You can now use up to 2500 litres per year of PPO without paying road
duty on it. Hence if your consumption is around this level you stand to make savings on your
road travel. Adding road duty to the price of PPO takes the cost to around 90 pence per litre,
still cheaper than standard diesel. As with bioDiesel, there are issues with deforestation in
foreign countries and impact on agricultural land through the need for land for growing the
crop. However, if set-aside land was used in the UK for growing oil seed, this could meet
5% of the current demand for diesel. Cold pressed oil extraction techniques are less energy
intensive and do not require the use of chemicals. As such, a UK based, cold pressed oil
production system represents a significant low impact solution to reducing CO2 emissions.
We rate the ‘well to wheel’ CO2 of PPO to be less than bioDiesel, but there are still CO2
emissions relating to the growth, production and distribution of the fuel. Research shortly
to be released will estimate the net CO2 from PPO to be 20% of that of standard diesel.
For more information visit www.bloomingfutures.com
12

Hybrid Engines

Green Driving Guide

There are several ways in which the electric engine can work in combination with the ICE. Some,
like the Prius, start the car moving and can power the car for up to two miles or 30 mph using
solely the electric engine. Others, like the Honda IMA system, assist the petrol engine, working in
conjunction with it to enable lower revs and hence better mpg. Developments over the next few
years will see a third option available with an individual electric engine sitting at each wheel.
Other technology helps to improve the performance of the car and lower its CO2 emissions,
some of which are being applied in cars generally. Stop-start technology, which cuts off the
engine when at standstill, is being applied particularly in commercial vehicles. Regenerative
braking, which recharges the larger batteries needed for hybrids, takes kinetic energy
from the car and converts it to potential energy in the battery. This also assists braking and
reduces wear on the pads. Gear shift indicators are becoming more commonplace in cars
- this tells you when to shift up or down gear to optimise the efficiency of the engine.
Hybrids require larger batteries, a problem that will be addressed with up coming better
battery technology. Typical savings of 15% can be seen with hybrids, but some of this
is dependent on driving style. Battery upgrades and conversions can increase the
efficiency of the car still further, with the Amberjac Plug-In Prius achieving 130mpg.

13

Supporters

Supporters

4The Prius
The latest Prius is a blend of futuristic design and technology that delivers
D-segment levels of space, comfort and performance with B-class economy
and exhaust emissions levels that drop to zero in congested city streets.
Its achievements in reducing the environmental impact of motoring without compromising
the levels of performance, comfort and convenience demanded by today’s motorists
earned Prius the 2005 European Car of the Year award. Prius was a comprehensive
winner and the first model using an alternative power system to take the title.

4The AYGO
Compact on the outside, but big enough inside to carry a quartet of six-footers, AYGO
couldn’t be simpler to hustle around crowded city streets. Speed-sensitive power steering
and a wheel-at-each-corner design make tight parking spots simpler to tackle, while optional
Multimode (M/M) transmission means clutch-free gear changes – a real boon in urban traffic.
AYGO is built to last, created with the same superior quality throughout that is the hallmark of all
modern Toyota machinery. From the bright and open interior to the sculpted sporty exterior, the
AYGO stands out among the city car crowd as a machine that’s modern, stylish and built to last.

And, demonstrating that technological advances do not adversely affect safety,
Prius was accorded the top five-star rating for passenger protection in official
Euro-NCAP crash testing with the equal highest score in its class. Moreover, it
established a new benchmark in the level of child passenger protection.
With its unique and advanced Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive, the latest Prius is the cleanest
family car currently available to the motoring public and successfully demonstrates that
being ‘green’ does not equate to dull performance or compromised packaging.
The Toyota Prius can return a fuel consumption that is comparable to the best B-segment
diesels. Production of CO2 and NOx is also radically low, while particulate matter
emissions are non-existent. Figures for fuel consumption are 65.7mpg for combined
and 67.3mpg for extra-urban driving. In the urban cycle, Prius returns 56.5mpg, which
beats every B-segment car on the market by a large margin. At the same time, this
D-segment car can accelerate from nought to 62mph in less than 11 seconds.

Its 1.0-litre VVT-i engine is capable of 61.4mpg, the best combined cycle fuel economy of
any petrol unit in its class. Even if you can only scrape together a tenner at the pumps, you
should be able to make it from London to Brighton and back with fuel to spare. However,
this exceptional economy is not at the expense of performance as AYGO will accelerate from
nought to 62mph in 14.2 seconds and has a top speed of 98mph.
It’s one of the cleanest engines on the market too: its carbon dioxide emissions rating
of 109g/km places it in band B, the lowest band for Vehicle Excise Duty achieved by any petrol
car currently available. AYGO’s insurance costs are rock-bottom too with a 1E rating – the lowest
group possible.

A powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine works together with the smaller, more efficient electric motor
to deliver performance that positions the Prius as a serious contender in the D-segment. The
electric motor is more powerful than most 1.0 to 1.2-litre internal combustion engines and, at
400Nm from nought to 1,200rpm, the Prius’s torque surpasses that of modern V6 diesels.
As a result its 0-62mph acceleration is comparable to a conventional 2.0-litre diesel engine.

4AYGO
ESSENTIALS
AYGO breaks away
from the concept
of small, affordable
cars skimping
on quality and
equipment. The
AYGO entry model not only looks the business, it comes as standard with features such as a
sound system with CD player and handy socket to connect your own portable MP3 player; speedsensitive power steering, a folding rear seatback to increase the load space, heated rear window
with wiper and a tilt adjustable steering column. On the safety front you’re protected by driver and
front passenger airbags and the car is equipped with the latest generation ABS system with EBD.

14

Green Driving Guide

15

Supporters

Blooming Futures

Supporters

Blooming Futures is a not-for-profit co-operative formed in 1999. Blooming Futures
is a leading light in Vegetable Oil, or Pure Plant Oil (PPO) technologies.
We are continually carrying out work to offer a complete solution to the use of locally
grown cold pressed Pure Plant Oil (PPO) in both domestic and commercial vehicles.
PPO, as the name suggests, is just pure plant oil without any chemical
processing – it is produced literally by crushing seeds and filtering the oil.
In order to use PPO, diesel engines need to be modified. We can modify around
60% of diesel engines and we use the very best technology available in the UK
– developed in Germany over the past 25 years where the use of PPO is much
more commonplace, with tens of thousands of vehicles running on PPO.
Blooming Futures only sources plant oil from rape seed that’s grown and crushed
in the UK. The technology we use makes it safe to use PPO or diesel in the
same engine – so once converted the engine is multi-fuel compatible.
Honda’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our activities is
core to the philosophy of the company. This approach is not a new development
but dates right back to the inception of the company in the late 1940s.

We offer engine modification kits for those of you that are mechanically
competent alongside offering a full conversion service for anybody wishing
to convert a diesel engine, be it for a car, van or haulage truck.

Honda’s environmental ethos was confirmed in 1992, when Honda’s Global Environment
statement was established. The key essence of this is that Honda will seek to reduce our
environmental impact at each stage of our corporate activity. For example, reducing the
environmental impact of our production sites is a key area of our focus. At our manufacturing
plant in Swindon, the amount of energy used during the production process has decreased
by 47% since 2000. The amount of waste created during the manufacturing process was
60kg per car in 1995, this now stands at 7kg and will be reduced to zero by 2010.
At a global level, Honda was the first manufacturer to establish voluntary, global, per
unit CO2 reduction targets for our products and for the plants that produce them.
Our product development is aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly
reducing CO2 emissions. In the short to medium term we are focussed on bringing
more hybrid products to the market with the aim of making them even more efficient and
more accessible to the mass market. Hybrid vehicles use an electric motor to assist a
traditional petrol engine. The electric motor is powered by a battery which is recharged
every time the car brakes or slows down. The hybrid system delivers significantly
reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Civic Hybrid is Honda’s third
generation hybrid product, with an all new Honda hybrid being launched in 2009.

We offer two types of engine modification but both are custom matched to
your specific engine - this is not a one size fits all option. We offer a tailor made
service utilising the most developed equipment available in the UK.
In Germany, there are tens of thousands of diesel vehicles converted to run on rapeseed
oil, often referred to as straight vegetable oil (SVO) or pure plant oil (PPO). Hundreds
of companies have been formed in response to the demand for vehicle conversions.

4 Bio-Fleet
Blooming Futures have now completed the second
phase of the Bio-Fleet project, providing subsidies
for diesel-to-vegetable oil conversion costs for
around 50 commercial vehicles in the South East.
The Bio-Fleet project has converted these vehicles
to run on PPO and set in place the first UK fuel
standard compliant vegetable oil delivery network.

In the long term, Honda believes that hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles are the ultimate
environmental solution. This is because they produce zero harmful emissions, the only
emission being water. Honda is making huge strides in our fuel cell product development;
there are currently 31 Honda FCX fuel cell vehicles being used on a daily basis in the US
and Japan and Honda will start limited production and marketing of our next generation
FCX vehicle, again in the US and Japan in 2008.However, due to costs of production, we
are still a number of years away from when the FCX will be affordable to the mass market.
16

Green Driving Guide

17

Organic Power

Supporters

Organic Power Ltd is a British company formed in 1997 to develop and license the
patented Maltin® System which it has developed from the ideas originally conceived
by Christopher Maltin and his team at Maltin Pollution Control Systems (1967) Ltd.

Supporters

Vectrix -

“Performance without Guilt”
Vectrix is the world’s first Zero Emission, High Performance electric maxi-scooter.
It has a top speed of 62mph,and rapid acceleration of 0-50mph in just 6.8 seconds, the
Vectrix offers a real alternative to petrol powered vehicles. Designed with looks in mind,
the Vectrix is responsive, good-looking, reliable and fun to ride for up to two people.

The multi-tank process treats a wide range of organic materials,
either solid or liquid, particularly industrial wastes, energy crops,
food processing residues and agricultural slurries.
Adopting a completely natural process and without additional chemicals, the organic
materials are degraded by naturally occurring aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.
The process eliminates the pollution normally associated with organic residues and produces
high quality methane gas, food grade carbon dioxide and clean fertilisers with no waste products.
Organic Power has worked in conjunction with Mercedes to produce a
version of their Vito van which runs on bioMethane. These are in production
now and can be procured by contacting Organic Power directly.
Methane gas given off by the decomposition of organic waste is captured using the
Maltin® System. Methane is a greenhouse gas some 21 times more potent than carbon
dioxide. Hence vehicles running on bioMethane are effectively negatively carbon rated
as they are actively preventing the emission of methane into the atmosphere.

The Green Bus
It has a range of up to 68 miles depending on driving style and its unique patented
DAart™ system gives easy twist and go control, twist back for instant acceleration,
twist forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Once stationary, engage reverse
for easy manoeuvring and parking. Added to this using the regenerative braking
adds up to 12% recharge back into the battery to extend the overall range.

The Green Bus is a bespoke transport planning
company, which differentiates itself through its
geographically inspired bus route design. We
offer transport consultancy to increase usage
and awareness of ‘green’ modes of transport,
with the intention of creating a modal shift from
private to public methods of transport. We also
believe in offering exceptional customer service
and back-office support and administration.

The Vectrix has its own on-board charger, and recharging the Vectrix to
80% takes less than two hours from a standard 3-pin socket.
At less than a 1/3 of a penny per mile, the Vectrix is cheap to run, quiet and emission free. And
with a 125cc classification, the bike is available to anyone who has held a full driving licence
for more than 5 years or who holds a CBT licence, a real alternative for City commuting.

We maintain our exceptional levels
of quality and customer satisfaction
through innovative approaches to our
work. An example of this is through
our vehicle tracking systems using
GPS technology, which we are making
accessible to travellers on any Green Bus.

“Vectrix is responsive,
good-looking, reliable
and fun to ride”

In summary, we are a transport company with a difference, with quality customer service and
a unique approach to creating bespoke bus services forming the core of our business.

18

Green Driving Guide

19

table of Contacts
Marches Energy Agency

G-Wiz

Kris McGowan

020 8574 3232

NICE
0845 6423 227

01743 246007

ask@goingreen.co.uk

info@nicecarcompany.co.uk

info@mea.org.uk

www.goingreen.co.uk

www.nicecarcompany.co.uk

www.mea.org.uk

Honda

Organic Power

Aixam Mega

01494 480 515

Christopher Maltin

01788 553330

www.honda.co.uk

01963 371100

info@mega-vehicles.co.uk
www.mega-vehicles.co.uk

christopher.maltin@organic-power.co.uk

Killacycle

www.organic-power.co.uk

Bill Dube

Amberjac

001 303 329 9158

Simon Sheldon

billdube@killacycle.com

0808 000 8080

01476 563090

www.killacycle.com

info@thesmart.co.uk

simon@amberjacprojects.com
www.amberjacprojects.com

Smart

www.smart.com

Lightning
Chris Dell

Smith

Blooming Futures

chrisd@lightningcarcompany.co.uk

Kevin Harkin

Mat Bulba

www.lightningcarcompany.com

0845 1557 755

01273 462 197
enquiry@bloomingfutures.com
www.bloomingfutures.com

kevin.harkin@smithelectricvehicles.com

Lotus
01953 608462
pr@lotuscars.co.uk

Brompton

www.lotuscars.co.uk

www.brompton.co.uk

Tesla
Collette Niazmand
001 650 413-4000

0208 232 8484
info@brompton.co.uk

www.smithelectricvehicles.com

LPGA
Mike Chapman

colette@teslamotors.com
www.teslamotors.com

02476 711601

Citroen

mike.chapman@lpga.co.uk

Toyota

01753 843061

www.lpga.co.uk

0845 6003461

www.citroen.co.uk

www.fleet.toyota.co.uk

Mini
G-Fleet

0800 325 600

Vectrix

Chris Endacott

customer.information@mini.co.uk

Annette Harris

01743 366185

www.mini.co.uk

www.gfleet.co.uk

01962 777600
sales@vectrix.co.uk

chris.endacott@gfleet.co.uk

Modec

www.vectrix.co.uk

Catherine Hutt

Green Bus

0870 626 0011

VW

Steve Jukes

info@modec.co.uk

www.volkswagen.co.uk

0845 234 2222

www.modec.co.uk

hello@thegreenbus.org
www.thegreenbus.org

20

Green Driving Guide

MEA

Marches Energy Agency is an independent
charity with 13 years experience in the field of
addressing climate change and energy use. We
work with a broad cross-section of stakeholders,
from community organisations to co-ordinating
EU-wide projects. We have developed four distinct
themes to enable us to further create the climate
for change.

Thanks
This project was part funded by the EU through their Intelligent Energy Europe,
Competence theme. It is also funded by Toyota, Honda, Organic Power, Vectrix, Blooming
Futures, and the Green Bus, without all of whom this initiative would not have been
possible. It is supported by all the companies featured in the pack and their assistance and
co-operation is greatly appreciated. Thanks also to G-Fleet for a guiding hand and insight
into fleet management. This project was conceived by Tristan Haynes and developed by
Kris McGowan at Marches Energy Agency. Very special thanks to David James, who has
enabled the Top Trumps pack to be distributed to every school in the UK.

Carbon Forum

Carbon Forum provides decarbonation inspiration. We
provide public speakers, workshops, and longer term
training. We do interactive stalls for events and provide
leaflets, posters and eco-packs. We can organise
competitions, exhibitions and festivals.

Project Carbon

Project Carbon delivers the technical side of MEA.
It will provide carbon footprints, energy audits and
undertakes feasibility studies. It can enable the
installation process to actively prevent CO2 emissions.

Low Carbon Communities

Low Carbon Community (LCC) projects lead
communities through a pre-defined Community Climate
Change Mitigation Strategy. Our ultimate aim is to give
communities the necessary springboard they need
to take long term and lasting action to reduce CO2
emissions.

Marches Renewables

We have consultation services mapping out the best
renewable solution to light the way forward. We provide
education and study tours for groups of interested
parties. Ultimately, Marches Renewables seeks to
facilitate the increase in installation of micro-generation
across the English Marches and beyond.
www.mea.org.uk E: info@mea.org.uk T: 01743 246007